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By Lt. Paul Macapagal, Navy Office of Information
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- President Barack Obama announced March 31 his administration's future plans on energy security to include the Department of Navy's (DoN) biofuel program inside Hangar 3 at Joint Base Andrews, Md.
These plans include strategic efforts by the Department of Defense to enhance energy production and promote clean energy innovation. As part of the Navy's Energy Strategy, the Navy is developing the critical protocols needed to certify alternative fuels for use in Naval Tactical systems.
During the president's announcement, an F/A-18 'Green' Hornet and a Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) which are a part of the DoN's biofuel program were in the background displaying demonstrating progress toward the current administration's energy goals.
"Our military leaders recognize the security imperative of increasing the use of alternative fuels, decreasing energy use, reducing our reliance on imported oil, making ourselves more energy-efficient," said Obama. "That's why the Navy, led by Secretary of the Navy Ray] Mabus, who's here today, has set a goal of using 50-percent alternative fuels in all planes, vehicles, and ships in the next 10 years."
Using alternative fuels and being energy efficient is primary piece of Mabus' energy reform targets for the DoN.
"One of the reasons we are trying to become energy independent, to the maximum extent possible, is to make us better warfighters," said Mabus.
As an environmental and energy concept, the 'Green' Hornet encompasses efforts ranging from operational and policy through technology research and development. The Navy will demonstrate an F/A-18 Super Hornet powered by a 50/50 biofuel blend on Earth Day, April 22, at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. as part of its biofuel certifications.
For more news, visit www.navy.mil.
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